properties and monitoring of precipitates and related ... · most common inorganic fouling and...
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RESEARCH REPORT VTT-R-02118-15
Properties and monitoring ofprecipitates and related corrosion
Authors: Maija Raunio
Confidentiality: Public
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RESEARCH REPORT VTT-R-02118-152 (33)
Contents
Contents ................................................................................................................................. 2
Preface ................................................................................................................................... 3
1. Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 4
2. Organic and inorganic scaling ........................................................................................... 5
2.1 Inorganic species ...................................................................................................... 52.2 Organic species ........................................................................................................ 62.3 Interactions between organic and inorganic scale ..................................................... 7
3. Potential scaling and fouling monitoring methods............................................................ 10
3.1 Electrochemical monitoring systems ....................................................................... 123.1.1 Electronic antifouling method (EAF) ............................................................ 123.1.2 BIoGEORGE probe ..................................................................................... 123.1.3 BIOX sensor ............................................................................................... 133.1.4 Combined corrosion and fouling monitor (CFM500 Unit) ............................. 143.1.5 Microbial fuel cells (MFC) ............................................................................ 153.1.6 Scanning probes ......................................................................................... 163.1.7 Coupled multi-electrode array sensor (CMAS) and wire beam electrode array
(WBE) ......................................................................................................... 173.2 Methods based on light reflection ........................................................................... 18
3.2.1 Focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM) ...................................... 183.2.2 Photointerrupt sensor array ......................................................................... 193.2.3 LED photointerrupt sensor for dynamic monitoring ...................................... 20
3.3 Other methods ........................................................................................................ 203.3.1 Differential turbidity measurement (DTM) and pressure drop (PD) .............. 203.3.2 Fluorescent dyes & CLSM .......................................................................... 213.3.3 FTIR-ATR spectroscopy .............................................................................. 21
4. Localized corrosion monitoring........................................................................................ 22
4.1 Common methods for localized corrosion monitoring .............................................. 224.1.1 Weight loss coupons ................................................................................... 234.1.2 Ultrasonic technique (UT) ........................................................................... 234.1.3 Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) .............................................................. 244.1.4 Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM) ................................. 244.1.5 Zero-resistance ammeter (ZRA) .................................................................. 244.1.1 Electrochemical noise (EN) ......................................................................... 244.1.2 Field signature method/ electrical field mapping (FSM/EFM)....................... 24
4.2 Specified monitoring methods for different types of localized corrosion................... 254.2.1 Pitting corrosion monitoring ......................................................................... 254.2.2 Crevice corrosion monitoring....................................................................... 254.2.3 Under deposit and challenging environment corrosion monitoring .............. 27
5. Discussion and conclusions ............................................................................................ 28
6. Summary ........................................................................................................................ 29
References ........................................................................................................................... 30
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RESEARCH REPORT VTT-R-02118-153 (33)
Preface
This literature review was performed during the summer and autumn of 2014 as a part ofTEKES jointly-funded project “Finnish Metals and Engineering Competence Cluster -Breakthrough steels and applications: P1 Material challenges from emerging processes andapplications”. The review goes through properties of organic and inorganic precipitates, andpotential monitoring methods of organic and inorganic scaling, that haven’t earlier beenstudied in detail in literature review conducted at VTT. Also corrosion monitoring related toscaling and fouling is reviewed here.
Espoo 12.5.2015
Author
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1. Introduction
Severe fouling and related corrosion in different industrial water systems, e.g. cooling watersystems, create great challenges, since they can potentially reduce heat-transfer capability,increase maintenance costs, reduce plant availability, and contaminate process lines.Localized (e.g. pitting, crevice) corrosion, inorganic and organic scaling, and microbial foulingcause damage to the installation, which results in efficiency losses. Heat-transfer surfaces incooling water systems are especially prone to fouling and associated corrosion damage.Because of the lower thermal conductivity of scales and deposits as compared to, forexample, that of pipe materials, a thin scale film on heat transfer surfaces will greatlydecrease the heat transfer process. Another problem concerning tubes is that a smallchange in the tube diameter significantly decreases the flow rate or increases the pressuredrop across the heat transfer. Chemical treatments and many other fouling preventionprocedures are utilised in process water systems, but from the environmental and economicpoint of view, alternative methods and/or more efficient use of the existing methods areneeded. The possible over-and/or under-dosing of biocides and other fouling preventivesubstances can cause substantial harm. Therefore, monitoring solutions that maycontinuously and reliably be used to detect fouling and corrosion in the industrial watersystems are most desired. [1-3]
Potential early warning solutions for industrial water systems need to provide informationabout the nature of the deposits formed and the related corrosion. Type of the deposit, itsquantity, thickness, distribution, and the kinetics of formation and removal must be detectedin order to assess the fouling potential. The corrosion monitoring data needs to specify whatkind of corrosion takes place, and how fast does it proceed (i.e. the corrosion rate). In themost optimal case, fouling and corrosion monitoring information should be available on-line,in-situ, in real time, and non-destructively. Also suitability for computer-aided automatizationis an important feature. [4] Goal of this literature review is to find out the properties ofbiofilms, organic and inorganic precipitates, and to reveal potential monitoring methods oforganic and inorganic scaling, that have not earlier been covered by literature surveysconducted at VTT. [5]. In addition, scaling related corrosion monitoring methods arereviewed. Information on the development of new sensors for separation of biofouling andorganic and inorganic scaling in the industrial water applications is also provided.
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2. Organic and inorganic scaling
Organic and inorganic fouling is one of the major problems associated with especially heatexchanger operations. In this review fouling and scaling are used as synonyms to describecombinations of biofouling, deposit formation, and organic and inorganic scaling. Propertiesof fouling depend on the processes involved in their formation. In general, fouling is classifiedinto five types: biological, corrosion, particulate, chemical reaction and crystallization fouling.The fouling accumulation may be considered as the result of several physical, chemical andbiological processes: the transport of soluble and particulate components towards theinstallation surface, adsorption of this material to the surface, chemical and biologicalreactions and the detachment of deposit layer portions. High biological activity of differentprocess waters promotes the biofilm growth on the heat transfer surfaces, affecting thecooling process. Chemicals such as chlorine dioxide, peracetic acid and quaternaryammonium, advanced oxidation processes, different toxic paints, and non-chemicaltreatments as UV radiation, ultrasound, thermal treatments and electric pulses have beenstudied as antifouling treatments. Currently, chlorine is the most widely used antifoulingbiocide in industrial heat exchangers due to its low cost and high effectiveness. However,there is an increasing environmental concern regarding the use of chlorine due to its highreactivity with natural organic matter in the water. The processes controlling fouling formationare very complex due to the variety of factors involved (e.g. water composition,microorganisms involved, materials, temperature, pH, flow rate) and their interactions. [6-7]
2.1 Inorganic species
Although many types of fouling takes place in the heat transfer equipment (heat exchangers,condensers, evaporators, cooling towers, boilers, and pipe walls), salt deposition isespecially important type of fouling. The dissolved inorganic salts are normally present in thecooling fluid of the heat exchanger and their maximum concentration is limited to thesaturation level. However, during heating or cooling periods, the super-saturation takes placein the dissolved inorganic salts while contributing to the fouling rate. As the heat exchangertube wall temperature exceeds the corresponding saturation temperature of the saltsdissolved, a crystal formation takes place on the surface of the wall. The crystallization startsespecially at the nucleation sites such as scratches and pits, and often after induction periodspread to cover the entire surface. However, by using selective tubes (for example titaniumtubes) or selected tube surfaces (coated carbon tubes), this phenomenon is partiallydiminished and the rate of fouling may be reduced. The material of the tube influences alsothe fouling morphology and the spreading out. Therefore the investigation of fouling rate(affected by different tube materials) and coating becomes very important. [8]
The scale deposition mechanism is often described by a process that includes: dissolution ofminerals, supersaturation, nucleation, precipitation, crystal growth, and finally scaledeposition. The deposition mechanism is affected by many factors, for example fluid andsurface temperature, flow velocity, pressure, and pH. The type of scales varies depending onthe industry involved (i.e. chemistry of water) and the mineral content of available water.Most common inorganic fouling and scaling species in cooling water systems are calcium(calcium carbonate, calcium sulphate) and magnesium salts, silica, silicates and variousmetal salts and oxides. The common inorganic scales mentioned in the previous review [5]are presented in Table 1. Their physical properties, such as thermal and electricconductivities, are different than those of pure metals and therefore it is expected that forexample electrochemical technologies can be used to distinguish specific fouling or scalingspecies.
One of the most studied scale is calcium carbonate CaCO3. The solubility of calciumcarbonate CaCO3 in water decreases with increasing temperature and pH, whereas it alsodecreases with decreasing pressure. If the solubility of CaCO3 decreases due to the
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condition changes in fluid, calcium and bicarbonate ions precipitate to form CaCO3 crystals.Usually heat transfer surfaces are negatively charged (in solutions with pH higher than 7), sopositively charged ions such as calcium and magnesium line up against heat transfersurfaces, which leads mineral ions to adhere to the heat transfer surfaces as CaCO3 crystals.[3,5]
Table 1. Common inorganic scaling and biofouling organisms. [5]
Inorganic scaling
Calcium & magnesium salts
Calciumcarbonate
Calciumphosphate Calcium sulphate
Metal oxides
Iron-based scale Manganesebased scales
Zinc basedscales Silica scales
Biofouling
Bacteria Algae Fungi Biofilm
2.2 Organic species
Organic fouling can be composed of either living organisms (biofouling) or non- living organicsubstance. Biggest problem is usually bacteria-induced biofouling, which causes coolingsystem deterioration, loss of efficiency and high operating system expenses. When a surfaceis placed underwater it is coated almost immediately with a film of proteins, polypeptides, andlipids produced by aquatic organisms or derived from their waste products. Endemic bacteriasettle on this film and produce slime (microfouling). The biofilm can act as a glue to attract siltand mud particles and such deposits further reduce heat transfer. Once a biofilm has formed,it passes through a sequence where certain species are replaced or supplemented overtime. Some of the organisms settling are not microbial but the larvae of macroscopic species.If these larvae survive and grow, macrofouling is established. One currently rapidly spreadingbiofouling organism (especially over the Finnish Baltic Sea coastline) is a hydroid speciesCordylophora caspia (Pallas), which forms colonies of dense, shaggy mats on the conduits,pipes and walls within the plant (Fig. 1). [9] The most common biofouling organisms areshown in Table 1. These include bacteria, algae, fungi, and biofilm, and their properties arereviewed by Vepsäläinen & Carpen [5].
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Figure 1. Cordylophora caspia (Pallas). [9]
Most biofilms are mainly heterogeneous matrices of extracellular polymeric substances(EPS), with clusters made of cells and polymers, randomly distributed along a three-dimensional architecture and surrounded by water channels. Less than 5% of biofilmsconsists of actual micro-organisms, and the water content is about 90–99% of the total wetmass. The EPS has the largest contribution to biofouling, hence the chemical compositionand morphology of EPS also has a great influence. The characterisation and understandingof EPS in biofilms, and the transparent exopolymers (TEP) involved in their development isstill a particularly difficult task. TEPs are excreted by microbes and self-assembled to formindependently suspended particles that are present in almost all aquatic environments. Dueto their sticky nature they strongly influence the formation of biofilms, as well as contributingto membrane surface fouling. The TEP concentration has been directly linked to the rate ofmembrane fouling. [5,6,10,11]
Measurement of the degree of biofouling can be difficult and makes its control alsochallenging. Because of the heterogeneity of biofilms, properties may change dramaticallyfrom one point to another inside the matrix. Furthermore, the morphology and structure of abiofilm is likely to change as the biofilm ages. The biofilm is held to the surface of themembrane by a combination of hydrogen bonding, Van Der Waal’s forces, and electrostaticand ionic interactions. It has been shown that alginate films behave in a more solid-likemanner than liquid, which is surprising since the behaviour of biofilms is assumed to be moregel-like. The ionic concentration has a strong effect on the rheology of these films. It hasbeen also reported that lower shear rates on the surface where the biofilm grows, causes itto become more “fluffy”, making it easier to remove and reducing resistance to tangentialflow. [5,6,10,11]
2.3 Interactions between organic and inorganic scale
Fouling is a complex phenomenon in industrial cooling systems since two or more differenttypes of foulants may act simultaneous: soluble species and suspended particles, micro-organisms and corrosion products, etc. The different mechanisms involved in each type offouling interact with each other giving rise to synergistic phenomena which are very difficultto predict. Inorganic particles are known to influence micro-organism behaviour, since theyalter the physico-chemical properties of the environment where the microbial activities takeplace. Various clay species are known to stimulate bacterial metabolism and growth, andclay particles have been found to protect micro-organisms from the effects of some toxic
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compounds. Some researchers have suggested that this effect can be related to thereduction of the toxicity of the substances produced during metabolism through adsorption orinactivation. The adsorption of beneficial molecules (glucose) on the surfaces of clayparticles has also been reported to have an important effect on the microorganism activity.Quantitative information is needed to relate the biological activities and the inorganicparticles that promote biofouling. [6,12]
In the study by Tian et al. [12] the effects of silica, SiO2, the most common inorganic particlesin the treated sewage, on the biofouling of the heat exchanger were studied. Treated sewagesource heat pump systems (TSSHPSs) are an effective way to recover waste energy forheating and cooling. However, the plate heat exchangers used in TSSHPS systemsexperience considerable fouling in practice. To investigate the effect of the inorganic particleson the biofouling of the system, the plate heat exchanger and the flow cells were exposed tothe model fluids with SiO2 particle concentrations of 1, 10 and 100 mg l 1. Bacillus subtilis ispresent in the treated sewage. The results of the study showed that the SiO2 particlesinfluenced the biofilm development, further impacting the resulting heat transfer degradation.An increased biofouling mass was observed with increasing SiO2 concentration, however,the highest organic substance level in the biofouling and the highest biofouling heat transferresistance were achieved at intermediate SiO2 particle concentrations. The inorganicparticles led to expansion of the biofouling layer structure, which further affected the rate ofbiofouling build-up. The biofilms formed in the presence of inorganic particles were found tobe physically more stable than those in the absence of particles. The biofouling heat transferresistance was found to be more related to the biofouling layer micro-structure than the totalmass. The biofouling microstructure also affected the biofouling build-up rate. The findings ofthis study provide a guide for biofouling development, which may lead to large improvementsof the efficiencies of heat exchangers used with treated sewage. [12]
Rubio et al. [6] studied the progression of fouling in a condenser of a combined cycle powerplant cooled by seawater, under actual operating conditions. Experiments of this study werecarried out in a portable pilot plant designed to monitor the progression of fouling undersimilar conditions to those in the industrial heat exchanger. The pilot plant design wasadapted to the different operating conditions required for in situ studies. The characterizationof the removed fouling was performed in the laboratory by measuring the followingparameters: 1) fouling wet volume, 2) mass of volatile and inert solids (gravimetric analysis),3) layer thickness, calculated as the ratio between the wet volume and the inner surface areaof the tube, 4) elemental composition of the fouling (C, H, N and S) by using an elementalanalyser, and 5) metallic composition of the fouling, including the elements: Si, Al, Fe, Ca, K,Mg and Ti measured by X-ray fluorescence. The fouling progression was monitored insidethe test tubes by the overall heat transfer resistance (R). The results revealed that the natureof the fouling was predominantly inorganic, containing over 70% of inorganic matter in all thestudied cases. Organic matter was higher in the seasons of higher biological activity on themarine environment, spring and summer, and was lower in autumn and winter. The greatestpercentage of organic matter in the fouling was obtained with the highest flow velocity andthe organic matter decreased with the reduction in the cooling water flow velocity. While thepercentage of inorganic carbon showed no major changes, the organic C, H, N and S rosetheir percentage as the flow velocity increased. The flow velocity also influenced thechemical composition of the fouling layer. Elements Si, Al, Ca and Fe showed differentconcentrations depending on the applied flow velocity. Fe can be integrated into the foulingby adsorption onto organic compounds. Therefore, a high amount of organic matter couldenhance the absorption of Fe by the fouling layer. Elements K, Mg and Ti did not showdifferences between the different flow velocities tested. [6]
In the previous study [5], numerical values for a range of characteristics of various depositsand scales were collected (Table 2) in order to reveal differences between the various typesof scaling. Properties such as thermal conductivity, electrical resistance/conductivity,permittivity (dielectric constant), and electrophoretic mobilities are shown in Table 2. Thermalconductivity indicates the ability of a material to conduct heat. By measuring heat flows of
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different deposits and scales, the identification of scales and deposits could be possible.However, making accurate heat flow measurements is rather difficult. [13] High electricalresistivity indicates low electrical conductivity and vice versa. In the simplest case electricalresistivity can be measured when a direct current passes through the sample. Commonelectrolytes vary considerably in resistivity (Fig. 2) for example from sea water (20 - 30 cm)to granite rock (500 000 cm). [14]
Figure 2. Example of electrical resistivity of different materials. [14]
Permittivity (also known as dielectric constant) is defined as a ratio of the electricdisplacement in a medium to the intensity of the electric field producing it. Permittivity of asubstance or medium is generally expressed in terms of its relation to the permittivity of freespace. Typical dielectric constants of different materials are shown in Fig. 3. [15]Electrophoretic mobility is the velocity of a charged particle expressed per unit field strength.Zeta potentials can be estimated from experimentally determined electrophoretic mobilities ofparticles. Zeta potential is the potential at the surface of shear of a charged particle; formacromolecular ions it is the potential at the surface of the hydrodynamic particles formed bysuch ion. [16]
Figure 3. Examples of dielectric constants (permittivity) of different materials. [15]
During this current study some additional data has been found to Table 2, and as a newfeature the refractive index has been added to the table. Refractive index is defined as a
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numerical expression of the ratio of the speed of light in a vacuum to the speed of light in atest substance affected by factors such as free fatty acid, oxidation and heat treatment.Refractive index is used for identification of, and detection of impurities in volatile oils andother liquid substances. [17] As mentioned in [5] by Vepsäläinen & Carpen collecting theinformation is a challenging task since the data is very scattered and non-uniform in differentsources.
Table 2. Some available data about the thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, permittivity,electrophoretic mobilities, and refractive index of certain compounds and metals. [5]Previously obtained values are in black, and the new values in red (obtained from [18] and[19]).
ComponentThermal
conductivity) W/cmK
Electricalresistivity
cm
Permittivity/dielectric
constant, , rt
Electrophoreticmobilities
(µm/s)(V/cm)-1 inseawater
RefractiveIndex
CaCO3 0.017…0.022 8.67 ( 11) -1.19…-0.5CaSO4*2H2O 0.0025…0.005 5.10 ( 11)
MgSO4 8.2MgCO3 0.15 8.1
CuO 6*1011 6 ( ), 18.1Cu2O 108 7.6 2.7Fe2O3 2*1010 12 2.4 – 3.01Fe3O4 0.023…0.060 5200 20 1.43 – 1.5MnO 1*109 12.8 2.16MnO2 7*105 - 3*109 ~104
SiO2 0.068-0.12 5*106 – 5*109 4.42 ( 11) 1.44Carbon steel 0.35-0.55 18
SS 304 0.16 72SS 316 0.16 74
Cast gray iron 0.52 67Inconel 0.17 103Al 2014 1.9- 2.5 3.4 1.9-2.5
Cu (ETP) 3.9- 4.01 1.7 3.9-4.01Yellow brass 1.2- 1.09 6.4 1.2-1.09
CuNi30 0.3 35 0.3Ti 1.8 43 1.8Zn 1.1 6 1.1Ni 0.9 10 0.9
Biofilm+bacteria 0.007 0.007 -0.8, -1.0, -1.35Polysaccharide -0.15
H2O 0.006 1.0*108 80 (at 20 °C) 1.33
3. Potential scaling and fouling monitoring methods
The early detection of inorganic and organic scaling and fouling is crucial in the prevention offurther deposit or layer growth. Especially when considering biofouling, the prevention ofbacterial attachment is important, since fully established biofilms are extremely resistant tochemical or physical treatments. The biofilm formation process begins with the initialattachment of microorganisms to solid surfaces. As the micro-organisms colonize the surface
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area, the attachment becomes irreversible and the attached growth of micro-organismsbegins to form microcolony. This microcolony gradually matures to a highly structuredbiofilm. After the biofilm maturation, some cells in biofilm are detached, disperseplanktonically, and colonize new sites to repeat the biofilm development. [10]
It is important to be aware of the actual parameters the monitoring systems refer to in orderto interpret the data properly. Three levels of information can be identified: 1) systems whichdetect increase and decrease of material accumulating on a surface but cannot differentiatebetween biomass and other components of a deposit, 2) systems which provide biologicalinformation and distinguish between biotic and abiotic material, and 3) systems whichprovide detailed chemical information. [4] Main part of the potential methods for organic andinorganic scaling monitoring have been introduced in the earlier literature review [5], and areshown in Table 3. From these methods electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) andultrasonic time-domain reflectometry (UTDR) were considered the most potential to be usedas early warning systems. EIS measures impedance data of a system over a range offrequencies, when the frequency response of the system is revealed. In UTDR method thereflected ultra-sound signals are interpreted to indicate deposit thickness and density. Alsomonitors based on cyclic voltammetry and quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) techniqueshave been studied in many applications. Most of the current monitoring systems detectincrease and decrease of material accumulating on surface, but cannot differentiate betweenorganic and inorganic deposits. The next chapters will introduce additional monitoringmethods that can be considered suitable for detecting scaling and fouling. [11,20-23]
Table 3. Organic and inorganic fouling and scaling monitoring technologies divided in threecategories. [5]
Monitoringtechnologies
Advantages Disadvantages
Electrochemical methodsElectrochemicalimpedancespectroscopy (EIS)
Suitable for monitoring the initialstages of biofilm formation
Unclear can it distinguishbetween different scales,water interferes theinterpretation
Rotating discelectrode (RDE)systems
Rotating electrode systemensures that the mass transport tothe surface is well defined and iscontrolled by adjusting the rotationspeed, could be suitable for fastscreening of antiscalants inlaboratory
Can not be used as onlinesystem
Electrical (andthermal) resistance
Potential to measure the thicknessof deposits on a surface in situand in real time
Suitable only when one typeof fouling or scaling occurs,gives only one result
Cyclic voltammetry Bacteria attachment increased thecurrent in cyclic voltammograms -> information on some specificproperties of first bacteriaattaching the surface.
Not suitable for online-measurements becausepotential changessignificantly during themeasurement which mayaffect properties of foulinglayer.
Capacitancespectroscopy
Insensitive to changes in the bulksolution and has smalldependence on temperature,online-monitoring tool which could
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give qualitative information ofcomposition of the fouling/scalinglayer
Acoustic methodsAcoustic emissioncoupled withchronoamperometry
Suitable method for measuringinorganic scaling in situ
Unclear can it distinguishbetween different scales
Ultrasonic timedomain reflectometry(UTDR)
Sensitive, non-destructive,potential in-situ monitoring tool,could be used for monitoring ofseveral types of materials
Parameters are temperaturedependent and thustemperature correction has tobe included, unclear whetherit could distinguish differenttypes of scaling and fouling,not quantitative
Electrochemicalquartz crystalmicrobalance (EQCM)
On-line, non-destructive, sensitiveNo standard currentlyavailable, sensitive topressure changes
Other methodsMechanotronicSurface Sensor(MSS)
Could distinguish different types offouling and scaling layers fromeach other and give quantitativeinformation
Not much studied
3.1 Electrochemical monitoring systems
Electrochemical techniques belong to the majority of scaling and fouling monitoring methods.They have many advantages in monitoring the microbial attachment and biofilm formation,since they are very sensitive to detect, and the data can be rapidly processed. In addition,they are environmental friendly and simple to operate because only small electrical energy isrequired to run the system. [10]
3.1.1 Electronic antifouling method (EAF)
Cho et al. [3] represent in their study the operating principle of the electronic antifouling(EAF) technology for preventing inorganic scaling (calcium carbonate) on water systems.The working principle of EAF is that it produces an oscillating electric field via Faraday’s lawto provide necessary molecular mixing to dissolved mineral ions. Through improvedcollisions, they are converted to insoluble mineral crystals, a process called “controlledprecipitation”. Therefore, the level of supersaturation of the hard water significantlydecreases and new scale deposits are prevented. This means that the mineral crystalsprecipitate within the liquid, so that they are not able to precipitate on the pipe surfaces.Since fouling rate is the deposition rate minus the removal rate, the fouling rate can benegative when the EAF treatment eliminates the new scale deposits, suggesting that theexisting scales can be removed over a period of time. The EAF seems an efficient way toneutralize the dissolved mineral ions and to prevent them from depositing on the heattransfer surface or pipe walls. The use of EAF is not only limited to calcium carbonate, butcan also be used for other dissolved inorganic ions (e.g. Ca, Mg, Ba, Si, HCO , and SO4
2-).The endurance of EAF treatment remains unknown, as well as the consequences of theprecipitates within the water pipe. [3]
3.1.2 BIoGEORGE probe
BIoGEORGE probe, an on-line electrochemical biofilm monitor, has been developed toprovide information on biofilm activity in cooling systems that are common in power plants
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and industrial facilities. The working principle of BloGEORGE™ is based on a set of metaldiscs which act as electrodes: one half of the discs is polarised relative to the other for ashort period of time (typically once a day for one hour). This applied polarization potentialcauses a current to flow between the electrodes. When a biofilm forms on the probe, itprovides a path of a higher electrical conductivity for the applied current than the generalmedium in the system. An increase in the current flow over time is correlating with theamount of biofilm grown between the discs. Picture of BIoGEORGE is shown in Fig. 4.
The BIoGEORGE was tested in a waste disposal plant to describe the use of in biocideoptimization. The plant is cooled by brackish water (salinity: 2.49 – 8.40 ‰, turbidity: 2.49 –22.28 NTU, and pH: 7.50 – 8.40) in a once-through cooling water system. System piping wascarbon steel, and the condenser tubes were made of titanium. The plant successfully appliedsodium hypochlorite for control of macrofouling and microfouling. The probe was installeddirectly in the cooling water flow at the outlet of the condenser using a blind connection.Results showed that BIoGEORGE could be used effectively in online monitoring of biofilmformation. [22]
Figure 4. The BIoGEORGE probe. [22]
3.1.3 BIOX sensor
In a study by Cristiani et al. [24] an electrochemical on-line sensor BIOX was combined withchemical treatment using chlorine dioxide and mechanical cleaning using sponge balls tocontrol microfouling in condensers in Italy. The BIOX system prevents macrofouling indirectlyby preventing the microfouling build-up so that microfouling can’t proceed to macrofouling.The BIOX system consists of a tubular electrochemical probe linked with specifichard/software to a computer (Fig. 5). Its response is correlated to the changes ofelectrochemical kinetic processes on metal surfaces induced by bacteria settlement or byoxidant agents. The probe registers the acceleration of the cathodic reaction of oxygen dueto the biofilm growing on the probe surface and the cathodic reaction of the biocide oxidantpresent in the water. The probe detects oxidation rapidly, while the biofilm growth responsetime is relatively long. This is because of the time required for bacteria to colonise thecomplete surface of the electrodes. Therefore, when viewing the probe output responsesover time, it is possible to distinguish the contribution of both phenomena under regularoperating conditions. The system also includes a temperature sensor and flow meter. Withthe help of the BIOX system in the study, the dosage frequency of chlorine dioxide waspossible to modify to an acceptable level. The BIOX usually show high sensitivity to thechanges occurring at the electrode water interface, but the sensitivity as well as the workingmode is at a fixed level. [9]
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RESEARCH REPORT VTT-R-02118-1514 (33)
Figure 5. The working principle of BIOX system. [24]
3.1.4 Combined corrosion and fouling monitor (CFM500 Unit)
Conventional monitors for cooling water systems measure either corrosion or foulingseparately. Fouling monitors alone are not able to indicate real-time corrosion activitybeneath surface deposits. Scales and fouling have an immediate and significant impact onthe surface corrosion condition, since they prevent uniform corrosion and promote insteadlocalized attack, often in the form of pitting. Usually, corrosion information has been derivedfrom destructive evaluation of heat exchanger tubes, weight loss coupons, and probes undernonheat flux conditions. In a study by Winters et al. [2] a monitoring instrument (CFM500Unit) system has been developed for cooling water systems that measure corrosion andfouling simultaneously. The unit consists of state-of-the-art electrochemical techniques forcorrosion assessment under in-plant service conditions. By using electrochemical noisemeasurement technology, the system is particularly sensitive to detecting localized corrosionbeneath a fouled surface, a major and frequent mode of corrosion failure in the heatexchangers. Higher operating temperatures (up to 50°C) promote scaling and microbialgrowth, which interferes the access of a corrosion inhibitor to the heat transfer surfaces.Fouling tendency and the corrosion information is obtained by an integrated sensor systemusing four electrochemical techniques that make measurements simultaneously under heatflux: zero resistance ammetry (ZRA), electrochemical current noise (ECN), electrochemicalpotential noise (EPN), and linear polarization resistance (LPR). Zero resistance ammetry hasbeen used conventionally to determine the galvanic current between two dissimilarelectrodes, but may be also used to determine the current between two nominally identicalelectrodes. The EPN technique measures low-level random fluctuations of the corrosionpotential between two nominally identical electrodes. The ECN measurement technique issimilar to EPN, except that fluctuations in the coupling current between the two similarelectrodes, typically less than 1 µA, are recorded and analyzed. During testing period theCFM500 unit was installed in the hot return line of a recirculating cooling water system fedwith makeup water. Typical recirculating cooling water quality had pH of 8.5 - 9.0, alkalinity of300 - 350 ppm as calcium carbonate CaCO3, calcium of 280 - 320 ppm as CaCO3, and totaldissolved solids (TDS) of 800 - 1200 ppm resulting to a Langelier Saturation Index (LSI)between +1.9 and +2.4 at the estimated max. wall temperature of 43°C. The LSI valueindicates CaCO3 saturation, and a value close to 2 means that the water is scale-forming andfor practical purposes noncorrosive. A LSI value close 0 indicates balanced situation with achance of pitting corrosion, and a value of -2 indicates serious corrosion. [2,25]
According to the results the CFM500 unit gave real-time corrosion information on fouled heattransfer surfaces, and also the type of attack under deposits could be separated. The unitmonitored the corrosion rate, local attack factor (pitting tendency), and the heat transferresistance (HTR fouling tendency) on a graphical output. The corrosion reading from the
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CFM500 can be used as an alarm for both corrosion and fouling changes because thecorrosion readings are sensitive enough to be a good indication of minute changes in foulingbehaviour. If operated under heavy fouling conditions, the CFM500 system is likely toindicate too high corrosion rates that are not representative of the heat exchanger unit. It wasdiscovered that the LPRM probe did not detect corrosion truthfully, and lacked the ability todetect the localized and under-deposit corrosion. It was concluded that scaling and foulingaccelerate localized corrosion on carbon steel heat exchanger tubing, and the rate oflocalized corrosion is higher than general corrosion in the system. [2,26]
3.1.5 Microbial fuel cells (MFC)
Several studies on electrical conductivity signals associated with microbial growth havesuggested that microbial biofilms may be electrically conductive. Without a definitive value forbiofilm electrical conductivity, the interpretations of changes in electrical conductivity in thepresence of microbial activity is very difficult. Biofilms created by different bacterial specieshave distinct physical and chemical differences, and the local differences within biofilms arelikely to cause differences in electrical conductivity as well. Recently, researchers have usedelectrochemical techniques, like microbial fuel cells (MFC), to investigate the biochemicalproperties of biofilms. In a study by Regberg et al. [27] the attempt is to grow a microbialbiofilm in a controlled setting so that the biofilm’s electrical properties can be measured. Inthis work MFC is used to study the biofilms that are composed of dissimilatory iron reducingbacteria.
In a MFC, current is generated by placing a working electrode either with a potentiostat or anoxygen cathode at a voltage similar to the redox potential of solid crystalline iron oxides (-0.2V vs. Ag/AgCl reference electrode). When the MFC is in contact with dissimilatory ironreducing bacteria, they are observed to attach to the working electrode and utilize it as aterminal electron acceptor. Donating electrons to the working electrode creates electricalcurrent that can be measured with the same potentiostat. The bulk conductivity of a fluid-saturated porous medium b can often be described as a function of a fluid electricalconductivity f with the following equation:
= , (1)
where is the porosity, a and m are empirical factors related to extent of cementation andtortuosity, and f is defined as:
= , (2)
where F is Faraday’s constant (C mol-1), Cj is the concentration of species j in the pore fluid(mol m-3), Zj and Cj (m2 (Vs)-1) are the charge and electrical mobility of ion j. In theexperimental part a series of abiotic, in vitro, and in vivo batch experiments were conductedto test the effect of iron oxide reduction on f with as few reactions and variables as possible.One of the most advantageous aspect of using a MFC is the ability to precisely locate thebiofilm in space.
The results show that the experiments using electrochemical methods to grow and maintainmicrobial biofilms were effective with iron-reducing bacteria. The measurements of changesin electrical conductivity were possible to obtain as Geobacter biofilms grew and decayed. Inthe experiments, a minimum conductivity value was measured for the biofilms, though themeasured values were quite low compared to the expected values by previous studies(biofilms growing in MFCs must have an electrical conductivity > 0.05 S/m). Reason for thiscould be that the measured values might have been taken at a point directly above thebiofilm instead at the biofilm. Therefore, the electrical conductivity represent a minimumvalue for biofilm conductivity. This work also demonstrated that measurements of b and flowrate, combined with a few direct chemical measurements, can be used to quantify
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biogeochemical reaction rates in controlled laboratory situations and may be able to detectthe presence of biofilms. [27-28]
3.1.6 Scanning probes
Paper by Tan et al. [29-30] presents an overview of scanning probe techniques forcharacterizing inhomogeneities in various forms of organic surface films including organiccoatings, corrosion inhibitor and anti-corrosion oil films. The mentioned scanning probetechniques are presented in Table 4. Each scanning probe technique has its advantages andlimitations, for this reason, different techniques are often combined and applied in asynergistic manner. For example SECM and AFM commonly operate in a relatively specificand localized area under strictly controlled experimental conditions, and therefore thesuccessful imaging is rather difficult to conduct in experiments. Another common issueregarding scanning probe techniques is that scanning an electrode surface at close proximitycould disturb local electrochemical reactions. The scanning probe techniques are able tostudy localized corrosion, but are unable to scan corrosion occurring under solid deposits.[29-30]
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Table 4. The mentioned scanning probe techniques by Tan et al. [30-33]
Scanning probetechnique
Advantages Disadvantages
AFM (atomicforce microscopy)
Surface features can be measuredand mapped for example as heightprofile
Presence of contaminants on theprobe effect on imagingresolution, probe-sample contactarea is a limit to resolution
SKP (scanningKelvin probe)
Non-invasive, no-contact vibratingcapacitor technique. Can be used toinvestigate localized variations incoatings by mapping e.g. Voltapotential or electrochemical activity.
Resolution is not high enough forprobing the submicroscopiccoating defects, experimentaldata could be difficult to interpret
SKPFM(scanning Kelvinprobe forcemicroscopy)
Combines SKP and AFM functions,can be used to gain moreinformation about the microscopicand submicroscopic processesoccurring at coatings
Resolution is strongly dependenton the distance between tip andthe coating/metal interface, Proberesults vary due to differences inthe oxide covering them, orcontaminants deposited on the tip
SRET (scanningreferenceelectrodetechnique)
Can detect inhomogeneities incoatings, and localized corrosiondamages by measuring ioniccurrents flowing in the electrolytephase over a corroding metalsurface
SVET (scanningvibratingelectrodetechnique)
Direct measure of the electric field,useful technique for differentiating(in situ and in real time) corrosionactivity of metals immersed inconducting electrolytes
Probe system depends uponseveral parameters, related toboth the machine settings andsolution conditions
LEIS (localelectrochemicalimpedancespectroscopy)
A powerful tool to investigatelocalized corrosion on bare metalsurfaces and on coated alloys
Necessary to obtain moreinformation from local impedancespectra
SECM (scanningelectrochemicalmicroscopy)
High-resolution chemicalconcentration maps of corrodingmetal surfaces.
Somewhat limited (typicallyseveral microns) spatialresolution
3.1.7 Coupled multi-electrode array sensor (CMAS) and wire beam electrode array(WBE)
CMAS is a coupled multi-electrode (also known as microelectrode) array sensor, whichconsists of multiple miniature electrodes that are the active sensing element of the sensor.These miniature electrodes are made of metals identical to the material of construction of theprocess, and whose corrosion rate is of monitoring interest, and are coupled to a commonjoint through independent resistors. Thus, each electrode represents part of a corrodingmetal if the sensor is in a corrosive environment. In a localized corrosion environment,anodic currents flow into the more corroding electrode and cathodic currents flow out of theless or non-corroding electrodes. Such currents are measured from the voltages across theresistors and are used as the signals for non-uniform corrosion (including localizedcorrosion). For quantitative corrosion rate measurements, CMAS probes are more sensitiveto the effect of crevices formed between the sensing electrode and the insulator than theother types of electrochemical probes because of the small electrodes used. CMAS can be
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used in solutions of higher resistance, because the microelectrodes are closely packed, sothe influence of solution resistance is decreased. However the close proximity of theelectrodes makes them vulnerable to short circuiting by corrosion products. No standard iscurrently available to provide guidelines for using this technique, as is the case with manyother techniques mentioned in this review. [34-36]
Tan et al. [30] studied an electrochemically integrated multi-electrode array system tounderstand in-homogeneities in surface films and localized under-film corrosion. The systemused was called the wire beam electrode (WBE) method, one modification of the CMASmethod. The WBE is a non-scanning probe technique that is able to visualize the processesof localized corrosion under a coating or an inhibitor film by measuring parameters from localareas of a working electrode surface, such as local resistance, corrosion potential andgalvanic current, providing spatial and temporal information on under-film localized corrosion.Porosities, cracks and non-uniform molecular crosslink in organic coating films have longbeen recognized to significantly influence the anti-corrosion performance of coating systemsby creating degradation-susceptible regions. The WBE method involves subdividing an areaof a coated surface into many small sections and measuring the electrochemical propertiesof each part by individual sensors. An example of the result received from the individualsensors is shown in Fig. 6, where non-uniform distribution of galvanic current density over acoated WBE surface was mapped. The main anode and cathode areas can be distinguished.According to the results the applicability of the WBE method in mapping in-homogeneitiesover coated metal surfaces by detecting coating electrical resistances and potentialdifferences is very good. The WBE could be applied in conjunction with scanning probetechniques (the previous chapter) in order to gain more detailed understanding on thedifferent phases of localized corrosion under organic surface films. For instance it may bepossible to correlate WBE galvanic current density, coating resistance or potentialdistribution maps with Volta potential profile measured by the Scanning Kelvin Probe. [30]
Figure 6. WBE galvanic current density (mA/cm2) distribution maps measured from a mildsteel WBE surface coated with a WD-40 oil layer and exposed to the Evans solution (0.017mol NaCl, 0.008 mol Na2CO3 in 1000 ml deionized water) for 38 h. [30]
3.2 Methods based on light reflection
3.2.1 Focused beam reflectance measurement (FBRM)
In the study by Nasser et al. [37] a laboratory online monitoring technique to indicate mineralscale agglomeration was developed. The method is based on Focused Beam ReflectanceMeasurement (FBRM) technique (Mettler Toledo), which measures the chord sizedistribution of crystals in solution. It is based on the light reflection where the FBRM probedetects and transforms the reflected light into an electronic signal. This method can provide
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the induction time of starting agglomeration, and is capable of detecting the changes in verysmall time intervals. The experimental set-up consists of a beaker placed on a hot plate withFBRM immersed at an angle along with a temperature probe. The sensors were connectedto a PC to record the number of crystals and temperature of the solution in every 2 s. Thenumber of particles was detected in 2 mm range at the FBRM probe in the solution beaker.The calcium carbonate formed during precipitation deposits on the window of the FBRMprobe, thus the probe was cleaned regularly during measurement. The number of crystalsdeposited on the surface of the probe can be determined by the difference in number ofchords measured before cleaning and after cleaning.
The results showed that the calcium carbonate precipitation and deposition rates could beobtained from the FBRM. The method seemed useful in determining the minimumprecipitation inhibitor concentration and to screen various types of inhibitors for the selection.The presence of inhibitor delays the agglomeration and affects the deposition of calciumcarbonate. SEM images revealed that the mechanism of inhibition might be the surfaceadsorption or distortion of inhibitor molecules on the growing calcium carbonate crystals. Thepossibility of the adsorption of inhibitor molecules on the crystal surface is significant in theinhibition of crystal growth. The results of the method were validated by comparing theresults with results obtained from conventional offline technique. [37]
3.2.2 Photointerrupt sensor array
A study by Tung et al. [38] focused on testing of a photointerrupt sensor for real-time onlinemonitoring of a fouling-cake thickness growth during a submerged membrane filtrationprocess. The working principle of the sensor is that when an object comes close to thesensor, the light from an emitter is reflected from the surface of the object into the collector.The idea of the sensor is shown in Fig. 7. In the experiment a membrane module with afiltration area of 0.325 m2 and the photointerrupt sensor array were both mounted inside asuspension tank. The photointerrupt sensor was able to slide/move steadily and freely in theupward and downward directions to monitor the cake thickness at different positions. PTFEand PVDF membranes in water and in a TiO2 slurry medium were studied.
The results show that the output voltage signal response of the photo sensor was a functionof the surrounding medium and the distance between the sensor and membrane. The effectof increasing particle concentration on sensor output voltage signal was more dominant atlong distances (>1.5 mm) and was almost negligible at shorter distances (<1.0 mm). At highparticle concentrations, the sensitivity of the sensor was reduced as the distance betweenthe sensor and membrane increased. The output voltage signal response of all sensors washigher for the PTFE membrane than for the PVDF membrane in both water and the slurrymedium. The average fouling- cake-layer thickness increased proportionally with time duringthe initial period (0–150 min) due to the rapid deposition of TiO2 particles on the membranesurface, after which the growth rate of fouling decreased. It seems that the application ofphotointerrupt sensors can be effectively used to investigate the fouling formations ofsubmerged membrane filtration systems under different conditions. However, no info isreceived on the layer properties of the studied material. [38]
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Figure 7. The working principle of the photointerrupt sensor used for the measurement ofgrowing cake thickness on a membrane surface during the filtration of a particulatesuspension. [38]
3.2.3 LED photointerrupt sensor for dynamic monitoring
In a study by Chen et al. [39] an in situ fouling layer thickness measurement device withintegrated online dynamic analysis capability to provide real-time information of the foulinglayer structure for membrane filtration processes is proposed. The monitor consists of a LEDphotointerrupt sensor. This monitoring technique has preliminarily been demonstrated forwater treatment microfiltration processes using a single photointerrupt sensor. In theexperiments the sensor was installed in front of the filter chamber to measure the growingthickness of the fouling layer. The increase of the weight of filtrate was detected by a loadcell and recorded on a laptop. According to the results the fouling layer thickness variationand a dynamic analysis procedure based on mass and force balances of particulatedeposition on the membrane surface can be used to study the fouling layer structure in awater treatment membrane process. In addition, the water quality during the membranefiltration process can be monitored. [39]
3.3 Other methods
3.3.1 Differential turbidity measurement (DTM) and pressure drop (PD)
Paper mill process waters (as well as waters in waste water treatment plants, in sediments,soils and surface waters) provide conditions for a rapid growth of micro-organisms. In thisstudy an online monitoring method by Klahre et al. [23] was developed based on differentialturbidity measurement (DTM). The basic idea of the DTM is to use an effect which otherwiseinterferes with turbidity measurements: formation of a deposit on the window of a turbiditymeasurement device. If two identical devices are applied in the same system, one of themcontinuously cleaned, the differential signal originates exclusively from the fouling layer onthe optical window. DTM is based on optical properties of the deposits and indicates theincrease of reflecting material on the optical window (Fig. 8). As reference technique,automatic pressure drop (PD) measurement was used in the experiment. The idea of PD isbased on the increase of pressure drop caused by viscoelastic biofilms (decrease in tubediameter or increase in surface roughness). This is however, difficult to calibrate.
Both DTM and PD proved to be useful for measurement of deposit formation on-line in theside stream of a paper machine whitewater circuit. With these methods the efficiency ofchemical cleaning procedures and bacteriostatic compounds could be demonstrated. Opticalmethods using visible light to record the degree of fouling in a process water medium requirelittle space and servicing. However, a direct correlation between the reflection in DTM andbiomass is not yet established. Optical methods are also very sensitive to color changes in
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the medium. Both PD and DTM refer indifferently to deposits, and do not provide informationon the fouling type. [23]
Figure 8. Idea of differential turbidity measurement device. [23]
3.3.2 Fluorescent dyes & CLSM
In practice different kinds of scales do not occur separately, but more or less mixed,influencing each other to a yet unknown extent. Spettman et al. [40] studied separation oforganic and inorganic scales by using fluorescently labelled foulants. The generation ofdeposits was performed on polycarbonate microfiltration (MF) membranes andpolyethersulfone ultrafiltration (UF) membranes. Microbial deposits were gathered by filteringtap water for 22 h through membranes. The studied foulants were: 1) drinking-water bacteriastained with nucleic acid-specific dyes (biofouling), 2) synthetic clay mineral laponite stainedwith rhodamine 6G (inorganic particle fouling) and 3) fluorescently labelled polystyrenemicrospheres (organic particle fouling). Single foulants in these mixed deposits could bevisualised separately by confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), which in combinationwith image analysis could deliver 3D pictures of the complete deposits. The CLSM is oftenused in the identification of specific components and the morphology of fouling layers. Byusing fluorescent dyes the different cleaning methods were able to be compared with eachother and then find out which foulants were removed during cleaning process. However, thediscrimination of the fluorescence signals of some molecules can be difficult to identify, inparticular in the presence of quenching substances. One problem is also the suitability of thismethod for online applications. The CLSM only provides analysis of a small area (0.05 mm²),so multiple samples are often required. The fouled areas have generally (especially inbiofouling) large non-uniformity, which means that the sampling process has a great effect onthe data accuracy. The CLSM and other fluorescence microscopy methods deeply rely oncorrect selection of staining compounds. [4,11,40]
3.3.3 FTIR-ATR spectroscopy
A method presented by Flemming et al. [4] is based on FTIR-ATR-spectroscopy in a flow-through cell. The spectrum of medium infra-red has proven to be the most indicative forbiological material. The studied system is composed of an IR-transparent crystal of zincselenide or germanium which is fixed in a flow-through cell. The attenuated total reflection(ATR) spectroscopy mode allows one to specifically receive the signals of material depositingon the ATR crystal because the IR beam penetrates the medium it is embedded in only into amaximum depth of 1–2 µm. Such systems could distinguish and identify abiotic and bioticmaterial which attaches to the crystal surface. [4]
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4. Localized corrosion monitoring
Monitoring methods of scaling and fouling are closely linked to corrosion monitoringmethods. In some cases the monitors developed for corrosion monitoring can be used forscaling and fouling monitoring and vice versa. Especially localized corrosion, which is linkedto under deposit corrosion and corrosion under demanding environments, is oftenconsequence of scaling and fouling, and the processes feed each other. Therefore alsosome of the localized corrosion monitor methods are studied here. Methods that have beenmentioned in the previous chapters are not mentioned here again.
Localized corrosion is the accelerated attack of a passive metal in a corrosive environment atdiscrete sites where the otherwise protective passive film has broken down. Common formsof localized corrosion include pitting, crevice corrosion, intergranular corrosion, stress-corrosion cracking, and exfoliation corrosion (a form of intergranular corrosion). Pittingcorrosion can be divided into a sequence of steps: 1) initiation by the breakdown of thepassive film, 2) metastable growth of small pits on, 3) stable growth of localized corrosionsites that can grow quite large, and 4) repassivation or termination of the attack (if conditionspermit). Pitting corrosion is known to initiate above a critical potential and repassivate belowanother, lower potential. Once initiated, the attack is stabilized by the localized developmentof aggressive conditions as the result of metal cation hydrolysis and Cl– migration. The exactsusceptibility of sites for film breakdown and the ability of other sites to sustain cathodicreactions depend on details of the surface film properties that are not well understood.Localized corrosion for metal components is usually the major concern in chemical plants ornuclear power plants because localized corrosion is difficult to detect at an early enoughstage to mitigate it. Once initiated, localized corrosion can propagate rapidly and result ineither component failures (such as through wall penetrations) or trigger other modes offailures, such as stress-corrosion cracking. [35,41,42]
4.1 Common methods for localized corrosion monitoring
The most traditional localized corrosion monitoring methods and their characteristics arelisted in Table 5. Some of the localized corrosion monitoring methods are suitable formonitoring many forms of corrosion, but several are applicable only to specific types ofcorrosion. On-line monitoring methods determine the corrosion rate repeatedly while theexperiment is in progress because they don’t change the state of metal. On-line methods canbe further divided into continuous and frequent. Offline techniques determine the corrosionrate after the specimen has been retrieved from the test. Destructive methods can be used inmeasuring only once, because they change the state of the specimen during themeasurement. [34,43] The methods mentioned in the Table 5 are shortly described below.
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Table 5. Existing corrosion monitoring methods for localized corrosion. [1,34,44]
Method Advantages Disadvantages
Weight loss coupons Low cost, reliable, versatileSlow, offline, destructive,corrosion rate only for generalcorrosion
UT (ultrasonictechnique)
Non-destructive, non-intrusive,online
Accuracy depends on manyfactors
PP/CP(potentiodynamic/cyclicpolarization )
Indicative of pitting and crevicecorrosion, online
Destructive, complex, requirescareful and informedinterpretation
EQCM (electrochemicalquartz crystalmicrobalance)
On-line, non-destructive,sensivite
No standard currentlyavailable, sensitive to pressurechanges
ZRA (zero-resistanceammeter)
On-line, non-destructive, simple,can be used in high pressuresystems
Usually only qualitative dataon corrosion
EN (electrochemicalnoise)
Non-destructive, online,measurements can be made ina wide range of environmentalresistivity
Complex, expensive, need forspecialized knowledge, noquantitative data on corrosion
FSM/EFM (fieldsignature method/electrical field mapping)
Non-destructive, non-intrusive,online, large areas ofcomponents can be monitored,sensitive
High cost, requirement forspecialized data interpretation,high temperature use, doesnot distinguish external orinternal defects
4.1.1 Weight loss coupons
Weight loss coupons are metal samples that are exposed to the corrosion environment toestablish the corrosion rate. They are withdrawn from the plant or from the studiedenvironment at certain intervals and the corrosion rate is determined by gravimetric means,i.e., weighing the coupon before and after the exposure following the removal of thecorrosion products. Use of weight loss coupons is very common in monitoring of general,localized and erosion corrosion. Inserting and withdrawing the coupons, especially the onesoperating at higher temperature and/or higher pressure, requires sophisticated equipment.When using mass loss coupons it is important to place them properly inside the vessel at alocation where the conditions are most severe to give a meaningful representation. [1,34]
4.1.2 Ultrasonic technique (UT)
The ultrasonic technique (UT) is a structural inspection technique to determine a general wallthinning due to general corrosion, erosion, and localized corrosion. The UT measures thethickness of solid materials. During UT inspection, a piezoelectric crystal (commonly knownas a transducer) is placed on the object to send a time- wave through it. To transmit the time-wave between the transducer and the object a liquid medium is placed between them. Thetransducer oscillates and sends the wave across the material. In principle, UT can detect walllosses of 0.025 mm when the transducer is accurately placed and the process is accuratelycontrolled. The measurement accuracy depends on several factors, including the variationsof sound velocity in different metals, temperature variations in the substrate, anddiscrimination of the acoustic reflections. [34]
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4.1.3 Potentiodynamic polarization (PP)
Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) is a probe method to monitor general and localizedcorrosion. Using the same set-up as for LPR measurement, the potential is scanned first inthe anodic direction and then the direction of scan is reversed. The pitting tendency isobtained from the hysteresis plot. Cyclic polarization (CP) is a variation of thepotentiodynamic technique in which the potential is scanned in the noble (positive) direction,then the current is monitored continuously until it reaches e.g. 5 mA, at which point the scandirection is reversed (scanned in the active, i.e. negative, direction), until the hysteresis loopcompletes (the current in the reverse scan is lower than that of the forward scan) or until thecorrosion potential is reached. The potential at which the anodic current increases rapidlyduring the forward scan is taken as the indication of initiation of localized corrosion. The CPdoesn’t give information on the rates of localized corrosion. [34,45]
4.1.4 Electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance (EQCM)
EQCM (electrochemical quartz crystal microbalance) exploits the decrease of vibrationcaused by material deposited on the crystal surface, for example corrosion products. EQCMconsists of a piezoelectric quartz oscillating at its resonant frequency, the frequency changesof which are dependent on the amount of deposited material. Usually, frequency changesdecrease when material is adsorbed. EQCM is very sensitive to material and thicknesschanges. Earlier versions of these systems were extremely sensitive to temperature changesof the water, while more recent devices have addressed this problem successfully. Sensibilityof QCM to pressure changes can prevent its widespread use in monitoring sensors. [46]
4.1.5 Zero-resistance ammeter (ZRA)
The galvanic couple technique (commonly known as the ZRA method) is a probe method tomonitor galvanic corrosion and MIC. This technique is simple and can be used directly insystems operating at high pressure. The two electrodes used in the technique may have oneof the following three configurations: 1) dissimilar metals or alloys (in which one is preferablymore cathodic and another is preferably more anodic in the galvanic series), 2) same metalor alloy with a different metallurgical or electrochemical state, and 3) same metal or alloy ofidentical size and shape. In all configurations the electrodes are connected externallythrough a ZRA which measures the current between the couples. ZRA is quantitative whenonly one parameter affects the galvanic current, but in most field operating conditions morethan one parameter affects the galvanic current. For these reasons this technique is onlyused as a qualitative indicator. [34]
4.1.1 Electrochemical noise (EN)
Noise is the general term used to describe the fluctuating behaviour of a physical variablewith time. With respect to corrosion there are two types of noise: fluctuation in the corrosionpotential (potential noise) and fluctuation in the current (current noise). Electrochemical noiseEN is a probe method for early detection of general and localized corrosion. EN analysis ofthe potential and current noise pattern can indicate whether localized or uniform corrosion isoccurring. However, EN requires expertise for the interpretation of the data obtained. The ENdoes not provide the quantitative rate for localized corrosion. [1,34,44]
4.1.2 Field signature method/ electrical field mapping (FSM/EFM)
The field signature monitoring (also known as EFM electrical field mapping) technique wasdeveloped originally to monitor internal corrosion of pipes and pipelines. It is a structuralmonitoring technique to determine general wall loss including that due to general corrosion,erosion, and localized corrosion. The measurement is made on the external surface of thestructure rather than by inserting a probe into it. The idea of FSM is that several sensing pinsare attached at various distances at the tested surface, and a current is applied into the
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tested surface through these sensing pins. The electric field pattern is detected by measuringthe small potential differences among the pairs of sensing pins on the external surface. Theelectric field pattern depends on the geometry of the tested surface and general or localizedcorrosion on the internal surface produces changes in the electric field pattern. By comparingmeasured potential differences with baseline values for a similar uncorroded sample, thedistribution and dimensions of corrosion on the internal surface can be computed. [1,34]
4.2 Specified monitoring methods for different types of localizedcorrosion
As a comparison to the common methods for localized corrosion monitoring in the nextchapters the applied pitting, crevice, under-deposit and challenging environment corrosionmonitoring types are separately discussed.
4.2.1 Pitting corrosion monitoring
Pitting corrosion is characterized by the presence of a number of small pits on the exposedmetal surface. The geometries of the pits depend on many factors such as the metalcomposition and the surface orientation. The cyclic potentiodynamic polarization (CP)method is commonly used to qualitatively understand the pitting corrosion tendency of metalsand alloys (see Chapter 4.1.3.). Another method to study pitting corrosion is the Cyclicgalvano-staircase polarization (CGSP) method, which is used to determine the protectionpotential Eprot. The Eprot can also be determined according to the CP. The Eprot may be usedas an indication of the susceptibility of a metal to localized corrosion. This method provides aquick method for determining the susceptibility to pit initiation, but it does not provideinformation about pit propagation. [34,47]
In a study by El Haleem et al. [48] the pitting corrosion current (corrosion rate) of reinforcingsteel was measured under natural corrosion conditions in Ca(OH)2 solutions in presence ofCl- as aggressive ions and CrO2-
4, HPO2-4, NO-
2, WO2-4, and MoO2-
4 as inhibiting anions.Performance of steel in this medium was determined by measuring corrosion current using asimple H -divided electrolytic cell. The study revealed that the corrosion current started toflow after the induction period which depends on solution composition (concentration, pH andpresence or absence of the aggressive and the inhibiting anions). The limiting corrosioncurrents increased with increasing the Cl- ion concentration and decreased with increasingthe pH and inhibiting ions concentration. The inhibition efficiency of the studied inhibiting ionsincreased in the following order: CrO2-
4 < HPO2-4 < NO-
2 < WO2-4 < MoO2-
4, and depended onthe way by which the inhibitor is added to the solution. Injection of the inhibiting anions insolution caused repassivation of the pre-formed pits through competition with Cl- ions foradsorption sites on metal oxide surface. [48]
4.2.2 Crevice corrosion monitoring
In practice, crevices can be formed naturally (e.g. by biofouling, sediment, debris, anddeposits) or man-made (e.g. by improper manufacturing, fabrication, or assembly). Crevicecorrosion occurs in interstitial sites where a passive metallic material is locally in contact witha corrosive environment, whereas the majority of the metallic surface remains in contact withbulk liquid. Crevice corrosion results from local modifications of the solution within theconfined area, which starts with local oxygen depletion. The susceptibility of a metal tocrevice corrosion can be evaluated in the laboratory using ‘crevice formers’. These can bemetal coupons, gasket washers, spacers, non-metallic strips, O-rings, and plateauassemblies. The occurrence of crevice corrosion is generally monitored by potentialmeasurements, while the corrosion rate is difficult to detect, unless the creviced anodes andthe surfaces sustaining the cathodic reactions are electrically separated and the currentbetween them measured. [34]
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Acoustic emission (AE) technique, based on the rapid release of energy within a materialgenerating elastic wave propagation, was demonstrated to be a very powerful and sensitivetechnique to monitor and study microscopic mechanisms of localized corrosion such asstress corrosion cracking, abrasion or erosion corrosion, and pitting corrosion. In a study byKim et al. [49] an attempt was made to monitor also crevice corrosion with AE. The aim ofthe work by Kim et al. [49] is to validate the use of AE for monitoring crevice corrosion on304L austenitic stainless steel by controlling initiation, propagation and repassivation ofcrevice damage, and to find out the discriminating acoustic parameters. Corrosion potentialand AE activity recording as well as visual observations of the development of crevicecorrosion were in good agreement, which confirms the ability of AE technique for monitoringcrevice corrosion. Crevice corrosion propagation leads to an increase of AE activity and tothe emission of signals with high value of rise time, duration, counts number and cumulativeenergy. Acoustic parameters recorded have great similarities with those recorded duringpropagation of pitting corrosion on austenitic stainless steel. This suggests that themechanism responsible for AE is quite the same, e.g. the evolution of hydrogen bubblesresulting from corrosion products hydrolysis and acidification within occluded pits, togetherwith the friction of the bubbles along the walls and the cap covering the pits. [34,49]
In a study by Richter et al. [50] four different methods were used to analyze crevicecorrosion: linear polarization resistance (LPR), harmonic analysis (HA), electrochemicalnoise (EN) and zero resistance ammetry (ZRA). Also a crevice corrosion probe LOCORRwas applied (Fig. 9). The design of the probe imitates the conditions found in a crevice orunder a deposit. In the probe a steel anode is covered by porous glass and the galvaniccurrent between the anode and the steel casing of the cell is measured by ZRA. The resultsindicate that the probability of localized corrosion is low when the dissolved oxygen level isbelow 100 ppb. However the lifetime of the probe was relatively low due to high dissolvedoxygen levels. The galvanic current measurements proved rather difficult to interpret sincethey were both dependent on the concentration of dissolved oxygen and the concentration ofhydrogen sulphide. The EN measurements indicated that localized corrosion was takingplace, though general corrosion was predominant. Both LOCORR and the ENmeasurements gave according to the authors promising results and have potential to beused in geothermal district heating systems, though the short life-time of the probe needsfurther studies. [50]
Figure 9. (a) Picture of the LOCORR cell, (b) schematic diagram of the LOCORR cell.
In a study by Lee et al. [51] a simple crevice corrosion monitor (a GAMRY potentiostat whichwas used as ZRA) was developed for mild and stainless steels. Monitor measures theelectron coupling current, accurately followed the evolution of crevice activity, which resultsfrom cathodic process occurring on the external surface and partial anodic processdeveloping within the crevice (the accumulation of H+ and Cl-). According to the authors thecoupling current increases with time, and after initiation passes through a maximum, it startsto decrease, eventually changing sign to mark crevice inversion by gradual build-up of H+.Monitor was used to follow the development of crevice corrosion in mild steel 1018, type 304
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and type 410 stainless steels in sodium chloride solutions with and without corrosion inhibitor(anodamine). The monitor was able to measure the crevice initiation period, detect thecrevice inversion, and determine inhibitor efficiency in reducing crevice activity. The monitorcould accurately follow the evolution of crevice activity in terms of the cathodic process thatoccurs on the external surface (oxygen reduction) and that develops within the crevice due tothe accumulation of H+. [51]
4.2.3 Under deposit and challenging environment corrosion monitoring
Solid deposits on metal surface can cause a localized form of corrosion called under-depositcorrosion (UDC). UDC is often observed in cooling water systems where scales and foulantsexist, and in oil and gas pipelines where sand, debris, biofilm and carbonate deposit arepresent. Methods to prevent UDC in industry include for example regular cleaning operationsor corrosion inhibitor treatment. However, frequent cleaning treatment is troublesome,expensive, and not suitable for some pipeline systems. Also the effects of inhibitors on UDCare hard to prove since UDC is considered difficult to measure by normal corrosion testingtechniques. Factors affecting UDC are retention of aggressive species in the deposits, failureof inhibitors to penetrate the deposits, a large cathode to anode surface area ratio and thepossible formation of a localized differential concentration cell. It is considered that theaccumulation of deposits on metal surface prevents corrosion inhibitors and biocides fromaccessing metal surface, leading to insufficient inhibitor concentration and acceleratinganaerobic growth underneath deposits. This would mean that a higher concentration ofinhibitor has to be used to prevent UDC than that would be needed to inhibit generalcorrosion. UDC often occurs in challenging environment of highly-resistive andinhomogeneous media. [43,45]
It has been studied by Tan et al. [45] that the combined electrochemical noise analysis (EN)and wire beam electrode (WBE, Chapter 3.1.7) method could have potential in measuringlocalized corrosion rates also for UDC. The WBE/EN -system has been utilised inexperiments to measure electrochemical corrosion in challenging corrosion conditions suchas multi-phase oil and gas mixtures, sand, a thin layer of electrolyte, under thermal insulationand under-deposit. In all these experiments, there was no need to apply an externallyimposed polarization and no need of a counter electrode, and thus such problems wereavoided as non-uniform polarization currents and IR drops associated with conventionalpolarization measurement. UDC processes were monitored in the experiments by mappinggalvanic currents across the WBE to see how localized corrosion initiated and propagatedunder deposits and how it changed with the introduction of inhibitor (imidazoline) or oxygen(O2). It was found that no under-deposit corrosion occurred in a CO2 saturated pure brinesolution under ambient temperature, however, when inhibitor imidazoline was introduced tothe brine or when the environment was contaminated by O2 under-deposit corrosion initiated.Increase in imidazoline concentration was found to reduce overall corrosion rates, but toenhance localized corrosion. The WBE system has also been proposed as a monitoringsolution for challenging environments (see below). [43,45]
Corrosion processes in highly-resistive and inhomogeneous media can be very challengingto monitor due to complex mechanisms occurring during corrosion, which usually leads tovarious forms of localized corrosion. Also corrosion damages in challenging media are oftenhidden and concentrate on difficult-to-access areas that are buried, covered or wrapped byconcrete, deposit or thermal insulation. The suitability of many traditional methods (forexample ER, LPR, EIS) has been evaluated for monitoring corrosion of steel in varioushighly-resistive and inhomogeneous media such as steel specimen exposed to atmosphereand rebar buried in concrete structures. In many cases, these methods are also applied incombinations. However the traditional methods are inadequate in such challengingenvironment, where localized corrosion and difficult-to-access- areas are involved. Oneapproach to tackle these practical difficulties is innovative design of miniaturisedsensors/electrodes that can be embedded in, or emplaced on, various structures. Miniaturesensors offer the possibility of overcoming practical difficulties associated with the installation
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and withdrawn of corrosion sensors in difficult- to-access areas such as configurational andstructural overlaps. The miniature multi-sensor systems can be based on for example UTmethods, LPR and EIS. However in principle miniaturised electrochemical sensors do notsolve the IR potential drops and non-uniform polarization current distribution problems inhighly resistive and inhomogeneous media.
Another approach is the development of novel electrochemical corrosion sensors that areable to avoid IR potential drops and non-uniform polarization current problems, and that areable to detect localized corrosion. Macrocell sensors, the so-called anode-ladder andexpansion-ring, have been developed to monitor the corrosion risk of concrete structures.The anode ladder system consists of six single black steel anodes positioned 50 mm fromthe next one to prevent interactions between the anodes. The macrocell expansion-ringsensor consists of six measuring rings (‘anodes’) separated by sealing rings as parts of themain sensor and a ‘cathode-bar’, which are installed in small holes, to be drilled into theconcrete structure. The basic measuring principle is to place several electrodes into aconcrete structure at different depths and to measure the macrocell current, potentials andthe electrical resistance of the concrete around the sensors. This sensor system detects thedepth of the critical chloride content that may initiate depassivation and corrosion, and thusthe time-to-corrosion can be estimated, enabling the owners of buildings to initiate preventiveprotection measures before cracks occur. In a typical experiment, it was found that thecritical chloride content reached a depth of 5 mm into a concrete specimen about 80 daysafter concrete placement, which caused a significant increase of the macrocell current.However it was found that macrocell currents did not increase with chloride content and thisresult suggested that the sensor only gave an indication of galvanic activities due to theingress of chlorides. The sensor did not give information on corrosion rates of steel in aconcrete structure. [43,45]
5. Discussion and conclusions
The main idea when considering monitoring of scaling is to know the level of scaling andfouling in a system, and to be able to apply scaling removal methods in an efficient mannerwith the help of monitoring systems, which give feedback on the functionality of differentcleaning methods. Different industries (for example paper mills, purified water systems andcooling water systems) have varying demands on the tolerable level of fouling and scalingdepending of a given process. Also the development of biofilms and inorganic scale will differgreatly in different technical systems and process waters. [4]
The separation between organic and inorganic scale and fouling is possible, but how to applythis effectively in an on-line monitor, is yet a challenge. Also the fact, that organic andinorganic scales interact with each other, and may change the properties of each other,which will create further challenges. Use of fluorescent dyes together with the CLSM asmentioned in Chapter 3.3.2 can distinguish organic and inorganic scales, but it requiressample removal and staining of the removed samples to get the information. The use offluorescent dyes in on-line applications seems at the moment unmanageable, since thestaining of the scales in, for example, cooling water tubes and detecting them withoutsampling is very complicated. FTIR-ATR spectroscopy in a flow-through cell has a lot ofpotential for separation of different scales, but the detection of the scaling and foulingthickness remains unclear, since the maximum penetration depth of the IR beam in themedium is 1–2 µm. Perhaps another method could then be used beside for the thicknessmeasurement. The BIOX and BIoGEORGE probes (Chapters 3.1.2 and 3.1.3) have beenutilized commercially, but they do not provide information on nature of the deposits. It shouldbe noted that some of the approaches mentioned in Chapter 3 have not exceeded abovelaboratory level, and therefore more investigation is needed. [4,11]
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The use of multi-electrode array system (CMAS and WBE) for scaling and fouling monitoringas well as localized corrosion monitoring is much studied, and show good performance.Especially detecting deposits on metal surfaces and localized corrosion is manageable, butthe ability to separate organic and inorganic deposits is not mentioned. The WBE can detectelectrical resistances and potential differences on surfaces, so in theory, if the differencebetween organic and inorganic deposit resistance and/or potential is high enough, they couldbe distinguished. Of course, the corrosion currents will influence the results as well, and itcould be that simultaneous detection off all features is too challenging. Therefore WBEmethod is proposed to be used in a combination with other systems, for example differentscanning probes (Chapter 3.1.6). The traditional methods mentioned in the previous review[5] such as EIS and UT (or a combination of these), show also potential as a futuremonitoring method. For corrosion monitoring alone the EFM is interesting, since it does notrequire any probes to be inserted inside the tubes or structures. EFM is applied on theexternal surface, but receives corrosion data on the internal surface of the inspectedstructure. [1,30,34-36]
The optimal fouling and corrosion monitor should work without requiring sample removal,staining or other secondary procedures. The technique must function in an aqueous systemand be specific for the monitored surface, i.e., minimize the signal from organisms orcontaminants in the water phase. The monitoring systems should be based on correctlyinterpretable physical or electrochemical features to get reliable results. It appears that adevelopment of a “tool box” with different monitoring devices could be the most potentialsolution for monitoring different properties and corrosion at the same time. [4]
6. Summary
Organic and inorganic deposit accumulation and related corrosion in different industry watersystems create challenges, since they can cause damage or lower performance of thesystem, which results in efficiency losses. Many fouling prevention methods (chemicaltreatments etc.) are utilised in different water systems, but from the environmental andeconomic point of view alternative methods and/or more efficient use of the existing methodsare needed.
To be able to apply the optimised level of biofouling and inorganic scaling prevention todifferent industry water systems, the monitoring of deposit accumulation is at key role.Detecting the type of deposits (organic and inorganic) is vital, and try-outs to tackle theseparation have been made. Also detecting the localized corrosion related to scaling andfouling is important. Most methods are capable of detecting some properties (localizedcorrosion, deposit growth or different types of deposits) and function either off-line or on-line,but a method that could detect all at once, is not yet found. Therefore a monitoring systemthat is a combination of different methods could be potential. Different method combinationsexist already (electrochemical impedance spectroscopy with ultrasonic technique, wire beamelectrode method with sensing probes) and their suitability should be further studied.
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